An error correction code (ECC) block for a data storage disk, includes an array
of data that is 88 rows by 172 columns. Each row includes ten bytes of inner parity
code and each column includes sixteen bytes of outer parity making the array 104
rows by 182 columns. The ECC block is divided into eight sectors, each sector having
eleven rows of data and two associated rows of outer parity, for a total of thirteen
rows per sector. The ECC block in accordance with the present invention is half
the size of a conventional ECC block but has a higher ratio of parity bytes to
data. Consequently, the ECC block of the present invention is particularly advantageous
with small form factor disks and first-surface media, i.e., disks with the recording
layer on the exterior of the disk or under a very thin transparent layer.
